Create a social media post and image for the following information: Buying a vacation home works best when you treat it as both a lifestyle choice and a long-term financial commitment. The smartest approach is to define how you’ll use it, build a full cost budget, and then buy in a location that matches both your travel habits and your management capacity. [zillow](https://www.zillow.com/learn/5-steps-buying-vacation-home/)
## What to decide first
Start by deciding whether the home is mainly for personal use, occasional family getaways, or short-term rental income. That choice affects everything from financing to insurance to how much maintenance you should expect. Also, decide how often you’ll actually visit, because a property that looks perfect on paper can become expensive if it’s too hard to get to. [zillow](https://www.zillow.com/learn/5-steps-buying-vacation-home/)
## Budget beyond the price
The purchase price is only part of the cost. You should also plan for down payment, closing costs, property taxes, insurance, HOA dues, utilities, furniture, cleaning, landscaping, repairs, and any property management fees. Lenders may approve you for more than you should comfortably spend, so it helps to create your own monthly budget first and include the cost of your primary home as well. [zillow](https://www.zillow.com/learn/5-steps-buying-vacation-home/)
## Location matters most
For vacation homes, location is often more important than square footage. Think about climate, seasonality, drive time, or flight cost, nearby activities, rental demand, and local risks like hurricanes, flooding, or wildfire exposure. If you plan to rent the home, local zoning rules and HOA restrictions can make or break the deal. [zillow](https://www.zillow.com/learn/5-steps-buying-vacation-home/)
## Financing and taxes
Vacation homes are usually treated differently from primary residences, so that financing can be stricter and tax treatment can vary depending on how you use the property. A preapproval from a lender before you shop can strengthen your offer and help you understand the real monthly payment before you get attached to a property. If you want rental income, talk to a lender and tax professional early so you understand how use, income, and deductions interact. [zillow](https://www.zillow.com/learn/5-steps-buying-vacation-home/)
## Property type and upkeep
Choose a home type that fits your maintenance tolerance. A condo may be easier to manage, while a house on a beach, lake, or mountain lot may offer more privacy but bring more upkeep, storm prep, and repair costs. If you’ll be absent much of the year, consider security systems, local contacts, and whether there’s nearby storage for items you don’t want exposed to guests if you rent it out. [extraspace](https://www.extraspace.com/blog/moving/consider-before-you-buy-a-vacation-home/)
## Buying process
A practical buying process looks like this:
1. Define your budget and usage goals. [zillow](https://www.zillow.com/learn/5-steps-buying-vacation-home/)
2. Get preapproved by a lender. [staging.lendingtree](https://www.staging.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/mortgage-for-vacation-home/)
3. Work with a local agent who knows vacation markets and rental rules. [realestate.usnews](https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/things-to-consider-before-buying-a-vacation-home)
4. Compare properties using total ownership cost, not just list price. [extraspace](https://www.extraspace.com/blog/moving/consider-before-you-buy-a-vacation-home/)
5. Review inspection, insurance, and HOA details carefully before closing. [zillow](https://www.zillow.com/learn/5-steps-buying-vacation-home/)
## Questions to ask
Before making an offer, ask:
– How often will we really use this home?
– Can we afford it if rental income is lower than expected?
– Who will maintain it when we’re away?
– Are short-term rentals allowed?
– Is the property easy enough to reach for weekends or holidays?
– What are the full carrying costs over a year? [zillow](https://www.zillow.com/learn/5-steps-buying-vacation-home/)

A good vacation home should feel like a retreat, not a second source of stress. The best purchases are usually the ones that still make sense even if plans, markets, or rental demand change. [realestate.usnews](https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/things-to-consider-before-buying-a-vacation-home)

One of the biggest reasons buyers are still sitting on the sidelines is that they think home prices will come down.

• Some believe a crash is coming, and they’ll get a better deal if they hold off.
• Others worry they’ll buy now and watch their home’s value fall later.

And nobody wants to overpay or buy right before values drop. But here’s the question worth asking:

What if the crash you’re waiting for isn’t actually coming?

Because that’s what the latest data suggests.

Experts Are Not Calling for a Crash

If you’ve spent any time online lately, you’ve seen posts claiming home prices are about to come crashing down. And some markets are indeed seeing small price declines right now.

But that’s not the same thing as a nationwide crash.

While some places are experiencing price adjustments, Realtor.com data shows home prices are still rising in 71% of housing markets across the country.

The trouble is, since negative news sells, you’re seeing more coverage about how a handful of markets are seeing declines than how the majority are still seeing prices rise. And that’s unfortunate.

It’s exactly why a lot of buyers end up with the impression that prices are falling everywhere when they’re not. So, how do you really know where prices are really headed from here?

That’s where the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae comes in.

Home Prices Will Rise for the Next 5 Years

Every quarter, more than 100 economists, housing experts, and market analysts are asked where they think home prices are headed, based on the latest available data.

And despite all the uncertainty in today’s market, there’s one thing they largely agreed on:

They don’t think a crash is coming.

In fact, the average of all of their forecasts calls for home prices to rise every year for at least the next 5 years (see graph below):

The point is that the overwhelming expectation isn’t for prices to fall. It’s for prices to rise at a more normal pace. And just in case you’re looking at the forecasts and saying: “of course they’d say that” – know that this survey doesn’t just include optimists. It includes pessimists, too.

Even the Pessimists Aren’t Predicting a Crash

Researchers broke the panel into groups based on how bullish or bearish they were about housing. The result? Even the most pessimistic group still expects home prices to climb over the next five years.

Optimists think we’ll see prices rise roughly 4% per year. Pessimists say it’ll be closer to 1%. The reality may be somewhere in the middle.

Think about that for a second. The debate among experts isn’t whether prices will crash. It’s how much they’ll rise.

That’s a very different conversation from the one happening across social media.

This Means Waiting Could Actually Cost You

So, if you’re putting off your move until prices come down, you may be disappointed. According to the experts, a widespread crash isn’t in the cards.

In fact, based on the HPES forecast, a buyer who purchased a $400,000 home this January would gain nearly $40,000 in equity over the next five years from appreciation alone, even in this more moderate market (see below):

Of course, this all depends on local market conditions. This forecast is a national average. But broadly speaking, if the experts are right, the bigger risk isn’t that prices will crash. It may be waiting for a crash that never comes.

Because, depending on your market, if you wait, you could miss out on $40k in equity or pay $ 40k more in 5 years for the same house.

Bottom Line

Many buyers are waiting because they think prices will fall, but that’s not what the experts say.

If you’re trying to decide whether waiting still makes sense, let’s connect. That way, you understand what’s happening in our local market and what it could mean for your plans.

Whether you’re dreaming about buying your first home or wondering if it’s time to move on from the one you’re in, affordability is probably weighing on your mind. Home prices are still high in many markets, and even though things have improved a bit over the past year, making the numbers work can still feel like a stretch.

But the people finding ways to move right now usually have one thing in common. They didn’t wait for affordability to come to them. They went looking for it.

According to PODS, 61% of people across all generations say affordability is the biggest factor when deciding where to move. And it’s led a growing number of people to do one thing – broaden their search to include more affordable areas they hadn’t seriously considered before. As PODS, put it:

“. . . moving is increasingly driven by affordability, connection, and quality of life. As economic pressures persist, Americans are taking a more intentional, values-driven approach to where they choose to live.”

It’s Not Just the Home Price – It’s the Whole Cost of Living

Here’s where it gets really interesting. When people talk about moving for affordability, they’re not just talking about finding a cheaper house. They’re thinking about the full picture. What does it actually cost to live somewhere?

WalletHub looked at exactly this, measuring housing costs as a share of median monthly household income across every state (see map below).

Take a look at where you live on that map. The lighter the blue, the more affordable it generally is to live there. The darker the blue? Just the opposite.

If your state is showing up on the darker blue end of the scale, the cost of living may be putting a real pinch on your wallet, and it may be worth exploring what a lighter-blue area could mean for your finances.

Because if you’re less financially stretched, imagine how that could change things. Less stress. Less worry. More freedom and peace of mind.

You Don’t Have To Move to Another State To Find a Better Deal

But finding more affordable homeownership doesn’t have to mean a cross-country move. It doesn’t even have to mean leaving your state, your family, or your favorite coffee shop behind.

Every market has more affordable pockets that most buyers never think to explore – neighborhoods, towns, and communities where home prices are lower, and property taxes are more manageable. The overall cost of living is more manageable.

A great local real estate agent knows exactly where those places are.

And if you work remotely, or have any flexibility in where you’re based, your options open up even further. Remote work has already changed the way millions of people think about where to live, and that trend isn’t going away.

When location is no longer tied to a daily commute, a more affordable area a bit farther out suddenly becomes a very real option.

Bottom Line

Affordability is a real challenge, but it’s not an unsolvable one. The key is being open to places you might not have considered before. A local real estate agent can help you find them.

Ready to find out which areas have the best affordability right now? Reach out today.

If the housing market feels confusing right now, you’re not alone.

Mortgage rates have risen. Home sales haven’t picked up like expected. And many buyers and sellers are wondering when things will feel easier or be more affordable.

The truth is: a lot changed over the first half of this year.

Back at the end of 2025, economists were forecasting a much stronger housing market for 2026. They expected mortgage rates to come down, affordability to improve more dramatically, and home sales to rebound.

But lingering inflation, economic uncertainty, and growing geopolitical tensions overseas pushed mortgage rates higher than expected. And because rates stayed elevated for longer, many buyers continued to hold off.

That’s why experts recently revised their housing forecasts for the rest of the year (see graph below):

So, what does this actually mean for you? Let’s break it down.

Mortgage Rates May Remain Elevated

While just about everyone wants mortgage rates to go back to the upper 5s or low 6s we saw at the start of the year, the experts don’t think that’s likely to happen this year.

Instead, forecasts have been updated from the low 6s they originally projected. Many industry organizations say rates will remain in the mid-6s this year. The good news is that it’s still lower than the rate was a year ago.

Of course, this is based on what we know today. If the overseas conflict ends or inflation drops, this could change. But if you’re waiting for lower rates, it may not pay off in the way you expect.

Existing Home Sales Revised Lower

Back in late 2025, experts expected we’d sell an average of 4.5 million homes this year. Now? That’s dropped down a bit to 4.2 million.

That tells us something important: buyers are still hesitant because affordability remains challenging.

Higher mortgage rates have made monthly payments harder to manage, especially for first-time buyers. And that’s slowed the market’s pace compared to what was originally expected. Even though the forecast was revised downward, we’re still expected to sell more homes than last year. 

Once geopolitical tensions resolve and rates begin to settle, many experts believe that a group of buyers will be ready to jump back in. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, explains:

“There is sizable pent-up demand that could be released into the market.”

There have already been a few glimmers of renewed hope lately. In recent months, pending home sales have been improving month over month despite higher rates.

So, if you’re able to afford a home at today’s rates, it could still make sense to buy now. Because otherwise, if you wait, you’ll have more competition (and potentially fewer homes to choose from) when those other buyers jump back in.

New Home Sales Also Slowed

Builders also expected to have a stronger year. Earlier forecasts projected new home sales would top 700k in 2026. Now, economists expect we’ll be just shy of that number.

Again, mortgage rates are a major reason why.

But the upside for buyers is that builders may be even more motivated to sell. That means builder incentives, negotiation opportunities, and pricing flexibility may continue in many markets. So, if you live somewhere where there’s more new construction, this may actually be a bright spot for you.

Builders may be more willing to negotiate, which gives you more leverage to get a better deal.

Home Prices Are Still Expected To Rise

This is one of the most important takeaways from the entire forecast. Even though sales activity is slower on average, experts have not revised their home price forecasts downward.

They still expect prices to rise nationally this year.

Why? Because while buyer demand has softened, the number of homes for sale is still relatively limited overall. That imbalance is helping support prices, even in a slower market.

Of course, conditions vary depending on where you live. Some markets are cooling more than others. But nationally, experts are still projecting steady price growth — not a major decline. And that should be a comfort whether you’re buying or selling.

Because sellers don’t want a major price drop, and while buyers may think they do, generally, you feel better about a big purchase when it doesn’t depreciate right away.

Bottom Line

The housing market hasn’t rebounded as quickly as experts originally hoped. But that doesn’t mean it’s stalled.

Higher inflation and lingering economic uncertainty caused economists to revise their forecasts for this year. Importantly, when those two factors settle down, many experts believe the market will regain its momentum.

So don’t see this revision in forecasts as a sign of trouble. See it as a temporary reaction to overall conditions and uncertainty.

If you want to know what’s happening in our local market and what it could mean for your plans for the rest of this year, let’s connect.

Moving from Arizona to Utah is a bigger lifestyle shift than many people expect. The cost structure, climate, housing style, and culture all change in meaningful ways. Here are the main things people are usually glad they knew in advance.

Climate Shock Is Real

Winters

Utah winters are colder, longer, and snowier than most of Arizona. Even along the Wasatch Front, you’ll deal with:

Snow driving

Ice on roads and sidewalks

Winter inversions (air pollution trapped in valleys)

Heating bills instead of constant AC bills

If you’re moving from Phoenix, Tucson, or Mesa, your wardrobe and vehicle prep need to change fast.

Summers

Utah summers are hot but generally less brutal because humidity stays low and evenings cool off more. Many Arizona transplants say Utah’s summer is easier to enjoy outdoors.

Housing Works Differently

Basements Are Common

In Utah, basements are normal and often fully finished. That changes:

Heating/cooling efficiency

Storage options

Multi-generational living setups

Rental potential

HOAs Are Everywhere

Especially in newer communities and townhome developments. Read HOA rules carefully:

Parking restrictions

RV storage rules

Rental limitations

Exterior modification approvals

Home Prices Vary Hard by Region

Along the Wasatch Front:

Salt Lake City = urban, walkable, expensive pockets

Draper and Lehi = tech growth and newer homes

Ogden = more affordable with growing demand

St. George feels the most “Arizona-like.”

The Altitude Affects People

Utah’s elevation surprises many newcomers.

Salt Lake Valley sits around 4,200+ feet

Mountain towns are much higher

Expect:

Dry skin

Dehydration

Shortness of breath during activity

More water intake is needed

For the first few weeks, especially, hydration matters more than people think.

Utah Culture Is Different

Family-Oriented Lifestyle

Utah is more family-centered than many Arizona metros. Neighborhoods often revolve around:

Schools

Parks

Youth sports

Community events

Religion Has Cultural Influence

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a strong cultural presence throughout Utah. Even if you are not religious, it can influence:

Community dynamics

Business culture

School social circles

Local politics

That said, areas like downtown Salt Lake City are much more mixed and diverse than outsiders often assume.

Outdoor Life Becomes a Bigger Deal

Utah residents organize their lives around the outdoors:

Skiing

Hiking

Mountain biking

Camping

National parks

If you like being outside, Utah can dramatically improve the quality of life.

Some major draws include:

Big Cottonwood Canyon

Little Cottonwood Canyon

Zion National Park

Park City Mountain

Driving & Transportation

Snow Tires Matter

All-season tires from Arizona may not cut it in Utah winters.

Public Transit Is Better Than Expected

The Utah Transit Authority TRAX system is useful in Salt Lake County, especially for commuting downtown.

Taxes & Costs

Utah Is Not “Cheap” Anymore

Compared to Arizona:

Utilities can be higher in winter

Housing along the Wasatch Front has risen sharply

Property taxes are generally reasonable

Income tax exists statewide

Insurance Changes

You may see:

Lower homeowner insurance risk from extreme heat

Higher claims considerations for snow and freeze damage

Air Quality Can Surprise You

Utah’s mountain geography traps pollution during winter inversions. Some days in winter, air quality can be worse than people expect from a mountain state.

This matters more if you have:

Asthma

Respiratory issues

Sensitivity to pollution

Best Advice for Arizona Transplants

Visit during winter before committing.

Budget for winter gear immediately.

Choose location carefully — Utah neighborhoods vary dramatically by culture and lifestyle.

Expect a more outdoor-centered social life.

Don’t underestimate the impact of commutes during snowstorms.

For many Arizona transplants, Utah ends up feeling like a trade:

Less extreme heat

More seasons

More outdoor access

Different cultural dynamics

Higher emphasis on community and family life

And for people who enjoy the mountains, four seasons, and an active lifestyle, it can be an excellent move.

If you’re getting a tax refund this year, here’s something worth thinking about. That money could actually help you get closer to buying a home.

It may not be something you’ve factored into your plan yet, but it can give your savings a nice boost right when you need it most. And whether your refund is a few thousand dollars or more, there are some smart ways to put that money to work as you get ready to buy.

Your Refund May Be Even Bigger This Year

Let’s start with the good news. People are getting even more money back in their refunds than they did last year. The visual below uses data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to show that the average individual’s refund is 11.1% higher this year:

Of course, your exact refund will vary. But any extra money you get is a good thing, especially when affordability is still tight. 

How You Can Use Your Tax Refund

So, how can you put that money to work? Here are a few smart ways to use your refund when buying a home, according to Freddie Mac:

• Put it toward your down payment. Data shows that saving for a down payment is one of the biggest hurdles for first-time homebuyers. Using your refund can help you build that up faster. And the good news? You may not need to put as much down as you think.
• Use it for your closing costs. Closing costs usually range from about 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price. Using your refund here can make closing day feel a lot more manageable.
• Lower your mortgage rate. You may have the option to buy down your mortgage rate. That means paying a little more upfront to get a lower monthly payment. If you’re looking for ways to make the numbers work a little better, this is worth asking about.

You Don’t Have To Figure This Out Alone

If you have a tax refund coming, it’s a great time to take another look at your homebuying savings. Maybe you’re almost at your goal, and you can buy sooner than you expected.

A trusted real estate agent and lender can help you map out what you need, what your options are, and how to make the most of what you already have, including your tax refund.

Bottom Line

If buying a home is on your radar this year, don’t overlook your tax refund. It could be the extra push that helps you go from almost there to actually ready.

Want to see how far your savings could take you right now? Let’s talk and build a plan that fits your situation.

With economic headlines, global events, and near-constant talk about affordability, you may be wondering if this is the right time to move. But here’s what you need to remember.

While recent events do have some impact on the housing market, they don’t take buying off the table. You just have to use a different strategy.

Mortgage Rates Have Been Up Slightly – Here’s Why

After trending down for most of 2025, mortgage rates have been higher again for roughly a month now. And experts say it’s a result of what’s happening overseas and in the broader economy. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains:

“Mortgage rates have recently moved higher, driven by geopolitical uncertainty and rising energy costs that are contributing to inflation concerns.”

But what does that really mean for you? Should you wait for everything to settle back down before you buy a home?

The short answer is no. You don’t have to wait.

Your Window To Buy Didn’t Close

It’s true that a month or so ago, when rates were just shy of 6%, buying felt a bit more affordable. And now that rates are hovering around the mid-6s, monthly payment costs are higher.

But zoom out for a second.

Let’s say you’re taking out a $500k loan. Even with rates in the mid-6s, you’re still saving roughly $300 on your monthly payment compared to buyers who made their purchase early last year.

That means this recent increase in rates hasn’t erased the progress we’ve seen. Buying is still more affordable than it was just one year ago (see below):

Sure, your monthly payment would’ve been a little less expensive a few weeks back. But hindsight is always 20/20.

The goal moving forward shouldn’t be to time the market perfectly. Things change too quickly for that. Instead, the real goal is to make the best decision you can based on where things are today. And the best advice anyone can give is: brace for volatility.

When It Comes To Rates, Expect the Unexpected

Mortgage rates will continue to fluctuate in the coming weeks and months as new information and economic reports are released.

Try to remember, you can’t control global events or where rates go next week (or even next month). But you can control how you prepare. If you do that, it becomes less about the headlines and more about your situation.

If You Want or Need To Move, You Still Can

The simple truth is, if you want or need to move, you still can.

Some buyers are choosing to move forward right now because their needs haven’t changed. A growing family, a job relocation, a lifestyle shift – those things still matter.

And for buyers who do decide to move forward, there are ways to make it work.

For example, you could explore options such as adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) to secure a lower rate upfront. That may or may not be the right fit for you, but it highlights an important point: some strategies can help you move, even now.

What matters most is having a plan.

And working with the right agent and lender is a big part of that. With expert help, you’ll:

• Understand your budget and the math at today’s rates.
• Explore your financing options, including ARMs and assistance programs.
• Have trusted guidance from experts who’ll keep you up to date throughout the process.

Bottom Line

Even though there’s some uncertainty, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

If you need to move, you still can. Let’s connect so we can explore all your options and make your move happen.

For a lot of people, the math on buying a home just doesn’t really work right now. Maybe that’s how it feels for you, too. You look at the cost of buying. Then you look at the cost of childcare. And it starts to feel like you have to choose one or the other.

But some families are finding a way to make both work by doing something a little different: teaming up to purchase a multi-generational home.

One Reason This Is Becoming More Common

It’s no secret that affordability has been a challenge in recent years. But for families with young kids, there’s an added layer that can make it feel even harder: childcare.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, childcare should take up no more than 7% of your monthly income. But in reality, the average married couple spends closer to 10% (see map below):

When you combine that with the cost of buying a home, it’s easy to see why things can feel stretched. That’s exactly why more families are rethinking how they approach both.

The Solution More People Are Turning To: Multi-Generational Living

One option gaining traction? Multi-generational living. That’s when parents, grandparents, or other relatives buy a house together and live under the same roof. And it’s not just about convenience anymore. It’s becoming a go-to strategy.

You can see it in the data. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), almost 1 in 7 homebuyers (14%) bought a multi-generational home in 2025 (see graph below):

And for the first time, childcare is emerging as a key reason they chose this option. As NAR explains:

“This year’s report features two new primary reasons for purchasing a multi-generational home: grandchildren living in the home (12%) and to help reduce the cost of childcare (6%).”

Why It Works

Buying a multigenerational home solves two big challenges at once.

• First, it shares the financial responsibility. If you pool multiple incomes together, you may be able to afford a home you couldn’t have on your own.
• Second, it can also solve the childcare puzzle. When grandparents or other relatives live in the home, they may be able to help with daily care, which can significantly reduce or even eliminate daycare costs.

And for many people, that combination is what finally makes their move possible.

If the combined costs of childcare and housing have made buying feel out of reach right now, it may be worth exploring creative options, such as buying a home with your loved ones.

Bottom Line

If you want more information on multi-generational homes, let’s have a quick conversation about what’s available in our area.

Sometimes the path to homeownership isn’t doing it alone. It’s doing it together.

Online searches for “can’t sell house” just hit an all-time high according to Google Trends. So, if your house has been sitting on the market without any bites, you’re not the only one. But it’s also not the end of the road. 

Homes are selling every day so that you can turn this around. You need to take another look at your approach.

If you’re feeling this pain, know this: an online search engine isn’t where you should go for your answers. It’s much better to talk to your agent. Because a search engine doesn’t know your market or your house. But your agent does.

While a quick search or an AI platform may give you some tips on what to try, only an expert agent can actually diagnose what’s going on – and how to fix it.

For example, your agent knows that most homes struggling to sell today are usually held back by one (or more) of these three things.

1. Presentation: Buyers Will Compare Everything

When inventory was tight a few years ago, buyers overlooked imperfections because they had to, or they’d lose out to another bidder. Now? That’s no longer the case.

Today’s buyers scroll through dozens of listings in just minutes. They compare condition, updates, lighting, finishes, layout, and more – all side by side. If your home feels dated, cluttered, or in need of repairs, buyers will notice, and it’ll knock your house right off their list of contenders.

This doesn’t mean you need a full renovation. But it does mean first impressions matter again. To compete today, you need curb appeal. Clean spaces. Neutral colors. Professional photos. If there are scuffs on the walls, obvious repairs, or too many outdated features, it could be what’s holding you back.

2. Pricing: If the Price Isn’t Compelling, It’s Not Selling

This is maybe the hardest one to hear, but what your neighbor sold their house for a few years ago isn’t necessarily the same price you’ll get today. As Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality, says:

“For sellers, the days of pricing aggressively and expecting instant offers are largely over. Homes that are well-priced and well-presented will still sell, but pricing discipline matters more than it did during boom years.”

Buyers are budget-conscious right now. If your home is priced based on outdated expectations instead of current demand, buyers may still look at your house online… but they likely won’t write an offer. Or, they’ll make an offer that you think is too low.

Pricing too high for this market is one of the top things sellers miss the mark on today. And those who aren’t willing to meet the market where it is or entertain offers may feel stuck.

3. Access: If Buyers Can’t See It, They Can’t Buy It

Limited showing availability can kill your momentum. If your house isn’t easy to see because you’re restricting showings to evenings only, no weekends, or requiring a 24-hour notice, you’re cutting your buyer pool down by more than you may realize.

And the more friction you create, the fewer buyers walk through the door.

In a market where buyers have more options, the last thing you want to do is give them a reason to skip your house. Availability matters because if no one sees it, no one buys it.

Don’t Let Search Results Decide Your Next Step

When your house isn’t selling, it’s tempting to spiral and wonder if it’s the market or if something’s wrong with your house. But instead of searching for answers online, here’s what to do.

Sit down with your agent and ask three honest questions:

• What are buyers looking for in today’s market?
• What feedback are we getting from showings?
• Why do you think my house hasn’t sold yet?

That conversation will bring a lot more clarity than any search engine results.

Bottom Line

If your listing feels stuck, it’s not a sign you shouldn’t sell. It’s the market giving you feedback. And feedback is powerful when you use it.

Start with a real conversation with a real agent about what’s working and what’s not. Your agent will be able to tell you which small adjustments could totally change the momentum. Because in this market, the sellers who adapt are the ones who move.

Buying a home is one of the most significant purchases you’ll ever make. And homeowner’s insurance is what protects that investment. Think of it as your safety net. NerdWallet explains it:

• Covers Repairs and Rebuilding Costs: If your home is damaged by fire, storms, or other covered events, it helps pay for repairs and possibly even a complete rebuild, if that’s deemed necessary.
• Protects Your Belongings: It can also cover personal items like furniture, electronics, jewelry, and clothing if they’re stolen or damaged.
• Provides Liability Coverage: And, if someone gets injured on your property, your policy can help cover medical bills or legal expenses.

But that peace of mind comes at a cost, and lately those costs have been rising.

Why Home Insurance Premiums Are Going Up

Several factors are driving insurance premiums higher today. But, in the simplest sense, here’s what’s driving prices up, according to the Insurance Research Council (IRC).

Severe weather events and natural disasters areoccurring more frequently, resulting in more claims. At the same time, homebuilding materials and labor are more expensive. So, when it comes time to work on those claims, insurers have to manage higher costs to repair or rebuild the affected homes.

That combination results in higher premiums. You can see how it’s climbed recently in the graph below. Each bar marks the percentage increase in insurance costs for that calendar year.

The good news is that the annual pace of the rise may be starting to ease, according to ResiClub and Cotality. By their count:

• In 2023 and 2024, insurance costs increased by 14% per year.
• In 2025, they rose about 10%.
• And in 2026 and 2027, it’s expected to go up about 8% each year.

That’s still an increase, but at least the pace is slowing down. And here’s another silver lining.

While insurance costs are rising, mortgage rates are falling. And that can help offset some of this expense. As Michael Gaines, Senior VP of Capital Markets, Cardinal Financial, explains:

“Rising taxes and insurance do create pressure, but they don’t erase the benefits of a lower rate . . . A small rate improvement, paired with the right loan program and smart planning, can still make homeownership possible . . . It’s less about one factor canceling another out, and more about helping buyers layer the right solutions together.”

Costs Are Going To Be Different Depending on Where You Buy

So, how much do you need to budget for this? It depends on the price point and location ofthe house, the coverage you need, and more. As with everything else in real estate, costs vary by area.

You can get a rough idea of your state’s typical premiums in the map below:

So, What Can You Do About It?

Generally speaking, your first insurance payment will be wrapped into your closing costs. But after that, it’ll become a recurring expense. That’s why knowing these premiums are rising is so essential. It helps you factor that into your budget, so you go in with a complete picture of what you can comfortably afford.

If you’re crunching the numbers and trying to find other ways to save, here are a few tips from Insurify and NerdWallet that can help you get the best insurance price possible:

• Shop Around – Compare quotes from multiple companies.
• Bundle Policies – Combine home and auto for discounts.
• Ask About Discounts – Don’t miss out on savings you may qualify for.
• Highlight Upgrades – Features such as a new roof or storm windows can reduce costs.
• Improve Your Credit – A stronger credit score can mean better premiums.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about buying a home, don’t forget to plan for your homeowner’s insurance.

While costs are rising, knowing what to expect and how to shop around can make a big difference as you’re budgeting for your purchase, because this isn’t coverage you’ll want to skimp on. It’s your best protection for what’s likely your most significant investment.